Sanitizing composition and method of use



3,169,905 SAhilTlZlNG COWQSITRON AND METEOR) OF USE William H. Lambert, 4107 Chippewa, St. Louis, Me. No Drawing. Filed May 15, Nail, Ser. No. 109,835 20 Claims. (Cl. 167-42) This invention relates to improvements in sanitizing compositions and method of applications, and, in particular, is concerned with a sanitizing composition employing finely divided colloidal silica as a carrying agent a for the'sanitizing composition which can be dispersed in air in finely divided form to provide a sanitizing action for a room and open or enclosed areas.

, By means of this invention there has been provided av liquid sanitizing composition in which finelydivided colloidal silica is employed that can be sprayed inside a room in finely divided form and which will not settle for long periods of time, thereby providing active sanitizing airborne particles which can kill germs in the air on contact. It is a particular feature of this invention that finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica is employed of very small particle size, as an example 0.02 micron in size. This colloidal silica is absorbent in nature and the liquid sanitizing composition with the colloidal silica dispersed in it can be dispensed in finely divided form throughout a room to provide a long lasting bacteriocide or fungicide for airborne contaminants.

As a further feature of this invention the sanitizing composition employing the finely divided colloidal silica employs a sanitizing agent which may include several different sanitizing compounds and a film forming agent, whereby the sanitizing composition can be sprayed against the walls and surface of the room to penetrate cracks and crevices to leave a residual plastic-like film that provides a long lasting bacteriocidal surface to provide for decontamination of the surface. The composition may also be used by individuals for germicidal actions adjacent wound or burn areas and upon body areas for general decontamination or prevention of contamination. The composition finds particularly advantageous use in institutions and hospitals and for use by doctors as a coating for their hands underneath their surgical gloves. Thus, a protective film is provided against punctures and the like in the gloves. The sanitizing composition may also be employed by spraying draperies, rugs, bedding, fabrics, leather, and the like, or bathtub or toilet surfaces, and also may be included in wash and scrub waters and polishing agents, and the like. As still a further feature, the colloidal silica in the sanitizing composition, when used in bathtubs, provides an antislip surface to minimize bathroom accidents, besides providing the sanitizing feature above described.

Essentially the sanitizing composition of this invention employs finely divided colloidal silica as a carrying agent, a sanitizing agent, and, desirably, a film forming agent. A solvent is employed, which, for purposes of economy, is preferably water. Water as a solvent is quite desirable for use as it can be used to form an oil and water emulsion and can also be employed to increase the humidity of the room to a desired level of at least about 50%, or more, where most effective sanitizing action is encountered. Also, a spreading agent, which may further act as an emulsifying agent, is desirably employed.

As exemplary illustrations of the agents employed, a quaternary ammonium compound may be one component of the sanitizing agent, and propylene glycol and tri- 3,159,95 Patented Feb. 16, 1955 ethylene glycol may be added to extend the broad spectrum of germicidal and fungicidal activity.

As the film forming agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone may be employed, but it will be understood that other film forming water soluble agents may also be employed, such as the alginates, carboxymethyl cellulose, and the like.

Where polyvinylpyrrolidone is employed as a film forming agent an alkalizing agent is desired to provide the necessary alkaline pH for proper activity, and, as exemplary illustration, trisodium phosphate and sodium borate can be employed. These two compounds are desired for alkalinity and also for their germicidal and disinfectant properties.

It is a further feature that when the quaternary ammonium compound is employed as a sanitizing component the use of the polyvinylpyrrolidone provides not only a film forming function, but also a modifying action upon the quaternary ammonium compound to make it less harsh in its action so that it may be used safely upon human beings and also to preserve the chlorine content in the quaternary ammonium compounds preferably employed.

As exemplary of the spreading agent employed, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol may be used. This agent not only provides for uniform spreading when the sanitizing composition is sprayed against a wall surface, but also beneficially serves as an emulsifying agent to provide a stable dispersable composition.

The above are the objects of this invention and further objects will appear in the detailed description which follows and will be otherwise apparent to those skilled in the The finely divided silica employed in the sanitizing composition may be a pyrogenic colloidal silica prepared in a hot gaseous environment as by the vapor phase hydrolysis of a silicon compound. This finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica in a particular size of 0.02 micron, such as CAB-OaSIL manufactured by Godfrey L. Cabot, Inc.,

- covers an area of about 200 square meters for one gram as an illustration of the very high range of covering power. The specific gravity is 2.2 and the product is substantially water-white in color having a refractive index of about 1.46. The oil absorption is approximately 150 pounds of oil per pounds of the colloidal silica and the bulking value is about 0.5 gallon per pound.

The colloidal silica in the finely divided particle range is collected in the form of loosely held clusters, much resembling a group of snow flakes, and the separation of the individual particles is readily accomplished upon dispersion. The colloidal silica is amorphous in nature and is neither a gelatinous nor a porous silica, and has no internal surface area. The enormous external surface area accounts for the highly reactive physical properties of the component whereby when it is dispersed in air and the sanitizing composition attraction exists for air-borne germs, bacteria, and fungi. The fine particle sizealso accounts for a very uniform dispersion when the colloidal silica is mixed with the sanitizing composition. Additionally, the colloidal silica, through its desirable optical .characteristics, provides a clear transparent film when added to transparent film forming agents. in this film the colloidal silica is built up on the surface to be covered much like tiny fish scales to form a homogeneous coating.

The'sanitizing agent of this compound can desirably include a quaternary ammonium compound together with alkalizing agents which may additionally form additional sanitizing functions. Thus, as an example, a cationic alkyl aryl polyether quaternary ammonium compound, such as diisobutyl phenoxy ethoxy ethyl dimethyl benzyl ammoamine1622', manufactured by Rohm & Haas can be employed. When so used, alkalizing agents are desired as;

the quaternary ammonium compounds most desirably function in an alkaline pH. The alkalizing agents can .be as exemplary illustrations trisodium phosphate and sodium borate. The trisodium phosphate is well knownfor its cleaning'and water softening and alkalinity characteristics. 7 'To the same extent the sodium borate is employed, but

it is somewhat milder in its action. These agents, when used in the proper amounts, provide an alkalinity in the sanitizing composition of about 9.5 to 10.25. The quaternary ammonium'compounds are effective in bothgram and, as examples, triethylene glycol and propylene glycol are desirably used.

A film forming agent is desirably employed to provide a long lasting protection when the sanitizing composition is sprayed against a wall surface. As an exemplary illnstration, polyvinylpyrrolidone is'used. This compound is' particularly desirable asit acts asa modifying agent for the quaternary ammonium compounds. Thus, it renders the quaternary ammonium compound milder in its action so that the sanitizing composition can be. applied to cuts, wounds, and abrasions, and for cleaning and sanitizing wounds without any harsh dermatological or physiological action. Further, the polyvinylpyrrolidone provides, through a certain tackiness, a moisture feature which is desired for absorbability of germs and fungus, and which also serves to keep the quaternary ammonium compounds active and prevents drying out which renders them relatively ineffective. The polyvinylpyrrolidone is non-toxic and compatible in the composition. Further, in addition to its filmforming properties, it renders the sanitizing composition of a non-irritant nature. Further, the polyvinylpyrrolidone provides a translucent colorless film, which is desired for application to wall surfaces. The ready solubility of the polyvinylpyrrolidone in water is also a desirable feature as with water as a solvent the humidity in a room may be increased to a desired level of atl'east about and above relative humidity where most beneficial sanitizing action is accomplished. It is to be understood, however, that other solvents may also be employed, such as alcohol, ether, esters, ketones, chlorinated hydrocarbons, nitro paraffines, amines, and organic acids, such as formic acid and acetic acid. The choice of wateror organic solvents makes possible the use of the composition in oil or water base paints to promote the germicidal activity of the paint when freshly applied to a surface. It will alsobe noted that the-glycols previously described may be used to increase tachiness besides the beneficial action as a sanitizing agent.

applied against the wall, a compatible detergent is desired.

Thus, as an example, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, such as Triton X114, manufactured by Rohm and Haas Company can be utilized. This agent functions as a wetting and spreading agent, detergent, and emulsifying agent, and is of a non-ionic characteristic, which makes it fully compatiblewith the cationic quaternary ammonium compound previously described. The alkyl aryl polyether alcohol is used as a spreading agent and also is desirably employed as an emulsifying agent for emulsifying the oil and water and in addition the ranges for upper and lower limits of the individual components are set forth. It will be under i t 4 stood that this formulation is for the purpose of example only and that chemical equivalents may bev employed- EXAMPLE Weight Weight Weight in Lbs. Percent Percent Range Water 1, 000 50 25-80 Triethylene Glycol-Technical 5 4 -15 Alkyl Aryl Polyether Alcohol Triton X 11L. 50 2. 5 1-10 Propylene Glycol 7 100 5 4-15 Diisobutyl Phenoxy Ethoxy Ethyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride Monohydrate I Hyamine 1622 500 25 5-40 grisodiuril Phospdhate; 100 5 2-10 olyviny *0 i one K-30. ili h so 2. 5 .25-10 SodiumiBorate (Borax). 40 '2 1-8 Colloidal Silica CAB-O-SIL 60 3 1-15 The formulation of this example, may be very simply formulated by mixing the components together. The formulation is quite simple to'prepare as no critical order of preparation or heating is required. Mixing is simply eifected to provide an oil and water dispersion with the finely divided colloidal silica uniformly dispersed through the composition.

The concentrate of the example above isin the form of a 50% solution containing 25% quaternary ammonium compound as an active ingredient. This solution may be further diluted by adding 4 gallons of soft or distilled water to 1' gallon of the concentrate to provide a 10% solution containing 5% quaternary ammonium compound as an active ingredient. This-10% solution is termed a stock use solution which may be furtherdiluted for various purposes. I

The stock use 10% solution may bediluted to provide 800 ppm. of quaternary'arnrnonium, i.e., by mixing'2 ounces of the stock solution to 1 gallon of water. The diluted 800 ppm. solution. may be used for room spraying and general sanitation. Where swabbing of the walls of the room is employed, a 400 ppm. solutionof quaternary iammonium compound is employed by mixing 1 ounce of the" 10% stock use solution with 1 gallon.

of water. For lesser degreesof sanitation, as in wash water, a 200 ppm. solution may be employed by mixing Use The sanitizing composition of this invention is, very simply employed. The liquid preparation may be very simply dispensed in any. degree of dilution through a conventionalatomizer, or spray device, into the interior of a room. The dispensing and spraying operation is directed intothe central portion of the room in various directions and may be followed up by a closer spraying or swabbing applicationto the walls and other surfaces so that contaminating surfaces are well covered. In general,

it 'is desirable that the spraying be effected into, the interior of the room to bring the relative humidity up to a level of at least about 50%. teria are more effective and the aqueous component of the composition, by permitting the relative humidity to be'raised, increases the efficiency of the sanitizing composition. a

In spraying areas in which a high degree of germicidal action is desired as j-in hospitals 8 to '16 ounces of the 800 p.p.m.-soluti'on previously described are employed per 1000 cubic feet. Sm al1er amounts and reduced concentrations may be used in other areas where contamination is not such \a severe problem.

The very small size of the finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica inthe order of 0.02 micron, makes possible the dispersion of the sanitizing compositionin extremely finely divided form. The'composition, when so At lower levels the bac-.

slower and faster settling rates. However, the particular particle size of 0.02 micron has been found to work exceedingly Well. It should be noted that the settling rate for larger particles, as mentioned above, is faster. Thus, for particles of 0.1 micron, the settling rate is 0.115 inch per hour, and at 1.0 micron the settling rate is 5.04 inches per hour. At a size of 4 microns the settling rate is 68.4 inches per hour.

It has been established that biological contaminants are present in the 'm'r as solid or liquid particles as in the form of aerosols, which are suspended in the air and can vary in size from 1 micron to 50 microns, or so. Also, vegetative types of bacteria and fungus, as in the form of spores, and the like, may be present in the air.

The sanitizing composition of this invention when sprayed and atomized into the air kills germs in the air on contact. Thus, by providing a suspended particulate of the finely divided colloidal silica, which has absorbed on its surface the sanitizing agents of this invention, germs and fungus coming in contact therewith are absorbed and killed. The sanitizing composition also, when applied to the surfaces of the walls in the room, penetrates cracks and crevices and forms an invisible sanitizing film, which is quite long lasting.

In the operation of the dispersed sanitizing composition, the polyvinylpyrrolidone provides a source of moisture to the composition as it is somewhat tacky and hydroscopic and enhances and gives a longer life to the quaternary ammonium compounds and the other sanitizing agents of the composition. The protective film, when applied to surfaces, does not affect the gloss, transparency, or opacity of the surface, because of its translucent nature. Further, it may easily be removed with warm water. The composition may be diluted to any desired degree and added to wash and scrub water, many wax polishes, and even to bath water for sanitizing the body of an individual, and can be employed as an overall sanitizing composition, disinfectant, and deodorant. Further, as mentioned previously, it can be applied to the body of the individual in the area of cuts, wounds, and abrasions, to clean and sanitize the wound without germicidal or physiological d-ilficulties, and can be employed in hospitals where a prime source of use is provided.

The composition can be used to thicken medicated salve ointments to any desired consistency, The composition is also distinguished by an improved temperature as by stability and a greater insensitiveness as regards Water absorption hydroscopicity, or dilution by tissue fluids without any interference with the properties of this composition as a germicide, fungicide, or bacteriostatic.

Adhesion to the wound area is increased and a protective film forms which prevents recontaminations of the wound due to air-borne or deposited contaminants. This protective film-like bandage is easily removed from the wound without pain or irritation to the patient by using warm water. This makes examination of the wound easy and practically painless to the patient. Re-application of the composition is easy for further healing and protection.

There has been disclosed in this application a typical and prefenable embodiment of the sanitizing composition. It will be understood, however, that the sanitizing agents, film formers, and alkalizers and spreading agents and emulsifying agents may be varied through the use of chemical equivalents. Such changes and modifications as are apparent to those skilled in the art and are obvious changes and modifications of this invention are within the scope and teaching of this invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:.

1. A concentrated water dilutable sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica in the amount of about 1 to 15% by weight, 5 to 74% of a compound consisting of at least one member of the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium compound, an alkalizing agent and a glycol and 25 to 80% of water. 1 v

2. A concentrated Water dilutable sanitizing composi: tion consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica in the amount of about Ho 15 by weight, .25 to 10% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 5 to 40% of a quaternary ammonium compound, 4 to 15% oftriethylene glycol, 1 to 10% of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, 4 to 15 of propylene glycol, 2 to 10% of trisodium phosphate, l to 8% of sodium borate and 25 to 80% of water.

3. A concentrated water dilutable sanitizing composition consist-ing essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.02 micron in the amount of about 1 to 15% by weight, 5 to -74% of a compound consisting of at least one member of the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium compound, an alkalizing agent and a glycol and 25 to 80% of water.

4. A sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.02 micron in the amount of about 1 to 15 by weight, .25 to 10% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 5 to 40% of a quaternary ammonium compound, 4 to 15% of triethylene glycol, 1 to 10% of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, 4 to 15% of propylene glycol, 2 to 10% of trisodium phosphate, 1 to 8% of sodium borate and 25 to 80% of water.

5. A concentrated water dilutable sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica in the amount of about 3% by weight, about 2.5% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, about 25% of a quaternary ammonium compound, about 2.5 of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, about 5% of propylene glycol, about 5% of trisodium phosphate, about 2% of sodium borate and about 50% of water.

6. A concentrated water dilutable sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.02 micron in the amount of about 3% by weight, about 2.5% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, about 25 of a quaternary ammonium compound, about 2.5% of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, about 5% of propylene glycol, about 5% of trisodium phosphate, about 2% of sodium borate and about 50% of water.

7. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providing a liquid sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agent and containing finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.02 to 0.1 micron uniformly dispersed in said composition and spraying said composition into said room in atomized form.

8. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providing a liquid sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agent and containing finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.020

micron uniformly dispersed in said composition and spraying said composition into said room in atomized form.

9. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providing an aqueous sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agent and containing finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particle size of about 0.02 to 0.1 micron uniformly dispersed in said composition and spraying said composition into said room in atomized form.

10. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providing an aqueous sanitizing composition compris- 'ing providing a liquid sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agent and containing finely'divided pyrogenic colloidal-silica uniformly dispersed in said composition and a film forming agent and sp'rayingsaid liquidcomposition in atomized'form into said room and against the Walls of the room. I w

12. A method .of sanitizing the air. in a room comprisa ing providing an aqueous sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agentand containing a film forming agent and finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica having a particlesize of about. 0.02 micron and spraying said composition in atomized form into said room and; against the.

. of said room in an amountto provide arelative humidity of at least 50% 14. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providingaliquid sanitizing composition-containing finelydivided pyrogenic colloidal silica uniformly dispersed. in, said composition and spraying 'said' composition into said roomrin atomized form, said sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely div'idedpyrogenic colloidal silica in the amount of about 1 to 15% by weight, .25 to 10% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 5 to 40% of a quaternary ammonium compound, 4 to 15% of triethylene glycol, 1 to of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, 4 to of propylene glycol, 2 to 10% of trisodiunrphos- 18. A method of, sanitizing aselected skin area ofan individual to provide. protection against infection of damaged tissue. which comprises applying to said area a liquid sanitizing composition comprising a sanitizing agentand containing a finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica uniformly dispersed in said -composition and a water soluble film forming agent; said film forming agent forming a protective film. over-said selected area by air drying under ambient roomconditions andiremoving said. protective film after substantial healing of'the damaged tissue by washing with water.

19. A method of sanitizing a selected skinar'ea of an individual to provide protection against infection of 7 damaged tissue which comprises applying to said area phate, 1 to 8% of sodium borate and 25 to 80% of Water.

15. A method of sanitizing the air in a room comprising providing a liquid sanitizing composition containing finely divided 'pyrogenic colloidal silica uniformly dispersed in said composition and spraying said composition into said room in atomized form, said sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica in the amount of, about 3% by 'Weight, about 2.5% ofpolyvinylpyrrolidone, about 25% of a quaternary' ammoniumcompound, about 2.5% of an alkyl .aryl polyether alcohol, about 5% v.of propylene glycol, about 5% of trisodium phosphate, about 2% of sodium borate and about 50% of water.

16. A method of sanitizing, a selected skin area ofan individual comprising applying to said area a liquid sanitizing composition comprising asanitizing agent and a liquid sanitizing composition containing a finely divided pyrogenio"colloidal silica uniformly dispersed iii-said, composition and a water soluble film forming agent, said film forming agent forming a protective film over said selected area by air drying under ambient room condi-f tions, said sanitizing composition; consisting essentially of finely divided pyrogenic, colloidal silica in the amount of about 1 to 15% by weight, .25 to 10% of polyvinylpyrrolidone, 5 to 40% of, a quaternary ammonium compound, 4 to 15% of triethylene glycol, .1 to 10% of an alkyl a'rylv polyether alcohol, 4 to 15%' of propylene glycol, 2 to 10% of trisodium phosphate, 1 to 8% of sodium borate and 25 to %of Water.

20. Amethod of sanitizing a selected skin area of an individual to provide protection against infection, of

damaged tissue-Which comprises applying to said area a.

liquid sanitizing composition containing a finely divided pyrogenic colloidal silica uniformly dispersedin said composition anda water soluble film forming agent, said film forming agent forming a protective film over said selected area by air drying under ambient room condi: tions, :said sanitizing composition consisting essentially of finely divided ,pyrogenic colloidal silica in nthe amount of about 3% by weight, about 2.5 of polyvinylpyrr'olidone, about 25% of a quaternary ammonium compound, about 2.5% of an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol, about 5% of propylene glycol, about 5% of trisodium phosphate, about 2% of sodium borate and about 50% of water- ReierencesCited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,059,811 11/36 Sauer 167-82 2,830,929 4/5'8 Fries et al 167-39 2,861,024 11/58 Silver 16782 OTHER REFERENCES Rezifilm; Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, February 1960, pp. 205-6.

United States Dispensatory, 25th edition, 1955, pp. 153-4.

JULIAN s. LEVITT, Priniary Examiner.-

M. O. WOLK, LEWIS. GOTTS, Examiners. 

1. A CONCENTRATED WATER DILUTABLE SANITIZING COMPOSITION CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF FINELY DIVIDED PYROGENIC COLLOIDAL SILICA IN THE AMOUNT OF ABOUT 1 TO 15% BY WEIGHT, 5 TO 74% OF A COMPOUND CONSISTING OF AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE GROUP CONSISTING OF A QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUND, AN ALKALIZING AGENT AND A GLYCOL AND 25 TO 80% OF WATER. 